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Liberal Nationals Shadow Cabinet

The new appointees of the National Liberals team and their appointed offices.

By news@gippsland - 26th March 2021 - Back to News

I am very pleased to welcome two new Shadow Ministers to the Liberal Nationals team: Brad Rowswell MP and Matt Bach MP. These appointments continue the renewal of the Liberal Nationals team, with two of our youngest MPs stepping up to help shape our vision for Victoria’s future. Both Brad and Matt will bring energy, a great work ethic, policy nous and grassroots community understanding to their new roles.

From left, Member for Sandringham Brad Rowswell,Shadow Minister Emma Kealy MP,Victorian Liberal Leader Michael O'Brien and Liberal Member for the Eastern Metropolitan Region Matt Bach MP

Brad Rowswell MP appointments

Brad Rowswell MP has been appointed as Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Shadow Minister for Bay Protection and Shadow Minister for Fishing and Boating. Brad understands the vital importance of Victorian families and workplaces having access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.

As Member for Sandringham, Port Philip Bay is part of Brad’s backyard and he is committed to protecting it as an environmental and recreational asset for future generations. As a parent of young children, Brad knows how important it is that Victoria become the best state in the country to foster an innovation culture and the creative and economic opportunities that follow.

Matt Bach MP as the newest appointee

Matt Bach MP has been appointed as Shadow Minister for Early Childhood, Shadow Minister for Higher Education, Training and Skills, Shadow Minister for Child Protection as well as Secretary to the Shadow Cabinet.

Our newest MP, Matt has a PhD in combatting recidivist crime and entered Parliament after a career as a teacher and educational leader, as well as having worked as a policy adviser to former Liberal Minister Mary Wooldridge.

Ensuring that Victorians – whether young or old – have access to the educational opportunities that will allow them to make the most of their potential will be key to Matt’s work. Protecting Victoria’s most vulnerable children through ensuring that our child protection works effectively is Matt’s passion.

Changes to Shadow Ministerial portfolios

Other changes to Shadow Ministerial portfolios announced today include:

• David Davis MP adds the Planning and Heritage portfolio
• David Morris MP takes on Local Government and Housing
• Tim Smith MP assumes responsibility for Emergency Services, Resources, Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety, Roads (Metropolitan) Road Safety and TAC as well as Manufacturing and Industry
• David Southwick MP consolidates public safety responsibilities by adding Youth Justice and Crime Prevention to his portfolio; and
• Bridget Vallence MP assumes the Equality portfolio

Outside cabinet appointees

Outside Shadow Cabinet, I am pleased to appoint James Newbury MP as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Scrutiny of Government in addition to his existing responsibilities for Wastewatch and Freedom of Information. With Bridget Vallence MP taking on additional Shadow Ministerial duties, she will step down from membership of the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC). James will join PAEC and will actively hold Labor Ministers accountable for their misuse and waste of the record taxes paid by hardworking Victorians.

Bernie Finn MP will become Assistant Shadow Minister for Police and Community Safety in place of his previous small business role. As a long-standing advocate for a safer Victoria, Bernie will work closely with David Southwick MP to hold Labor to account for its failures which harm the safety of Victorians and assist in developing Liberal Nationals policies to tackle crime and its causes. These appointments take effect from today.

Cabinet members and their appointed offices

Shadow assistant ministers

Pictures from Victorian Liberal Leader - Michael O'Brien MP Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
  Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry.
• David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
  Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries.
• David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.
• Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.
• Melina Bath says Glasgow Games revive memories of Victoria's cancelled Commonwealth Games and lost regional opportunities
  Nationals MP Melina Bath says the Glasgow Commonwealth Games highlight Victoria's cancelled regional Games, arguing Gippsland lost major economic opportunities while taxpayers were left carrying a $569 million cost.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Allan government over 147 unavailable social housing properties across Gippsland South electorate
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien says 147 social housing properties in Gippsland South remain unavailable, raising concerns over housing shortages, transparency and delays returning vacant public homes to tenants.
• Danny O'Brien unveils $5B plan to repair Gippsland roads and eliminate one million potholes statewide
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien unveiled a $5 billion roads plan promising to repair one million potholes, boost maintenance funding and deliver Gippsland a greater share of infrastructure investment.
• Danny O'Brien seeks timeline for promised next stage of coastal erosion works at Loch Sport foreshore
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is seeking an update on promised coastal erosion works at Loch Sport, urging the Allan government to provide timelines for additional groynes protecting the foreshore.
• Martin Cameron criticises Labor for reducing Hazelwood Road speed limit instead of repairing dangerous regional road conditions
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor for reducing Hazelwood Road’s speed limit instead of repairing its deteriorating surface, calling for urgent action to improve regional road safety.
• Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action.
• Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
  Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning.
• David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds.
• Danny O'Brien calls on Allan government to support Nyora early childhood education centre, improving access and community connections
  The Nationals urge the Allan government to collaborate with Nyora community and education stakeholders to establish a local early childhood centre, improving access, school transitions, enrolments, and long-term community sustainability.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government deliver promised 'Youth Crime Prevention Program' for Latrobe Valley
  The Nationals are demanding the Allan government deliver the long-promised Youth Crime Prevention Program in Latrobe Valley, addressing rising youth crime, restoring diversion programs, and supporting at-risk young people effectively.
• Danny O'Brien proposes fair share guarantee to secure infrastructure funding for regional Victoria, including Gippsland projects
  The Nationals propose a Fair Share Guarantee to ensure 25 percent of infrastructure funding for regional Victoria, addressing long-standing underinvestment and supporting Gippsland communities.
• Melina Bath calls on the Allan government to support Traralgon families, participants and staff after Daily Living Disability Services closure
  The Nationals are urging the Allan government to provide immediate support for participants, families, and staff affected by the sudden closure of Daily Living Disability Services in Traralgon.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to advance Nyora early childhood education centre, ensuring local families equitable kindergarten access
  The Nationals urge the Allan government to partner with the Nyora community, enabling a local early childhood education centre for equitable, convenient kindergarten access for rural families.
• Darren Chester celebrates Lakes Entrance musician Dr Megan Burslem advancing classical music nationally via ABC
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised Lakes Entrance-born musician Dr Megan Burslem for promoting classical music nationally through ABC Classic, ABC TV, and her new series, Front Row.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new strategy to strengthen community communication, engagement and advocacy efforts
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its Communications, Engagement and Advocacy Strategy 2026-2029, combining community communication and advocacy into one approach to strengthen engagement, secure funding and deliver better local outcomes.
• Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland landholders to understand new property taxes and reporting obligations effective from 1 January 2026
  Danny O’Brien urged Gippsland landholders to understand new property taxes and reporting obligations from 1 January 2026, warning compliance is essential to avoid penalties despite Nationals’ opposition.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new 'Dogs in Public Places Guidelines for 2026–2029' across municipality
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Dogs in Public Places Guidelines 2026–2029, establishing evidence-based rules for dog access on council land while balancing recreation, community safety, and environmental protection.
• Craig Watts Park playground renewal completed in Neerim South community upgrade
  Baw Baw Shire Council has completed the Craig Watts Park playground renewal in Neerim South, incorporating community and student feedback, with new equipment, safety upgrades, landscaping, and the slide arriving later.
• Omeo Mountain Bike Trails update - new website, shuttle services, and summer 114km launch
  Omeo Mountain Bike Trails has launched a new website and shuttle services, with 40 km open now and the full 114 km network officially debuting this summer for riders nationwide.
• Latrobe City invites local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
  Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects.
• Buln Buln Recreation Reserve celebrates new lighting upgrade improving safety, training capacity and community sport access
  Buln Buln Recreation Reserve has unveiled a $350,000 LED lighting upgrade, improving safety, accessibility and capacity for training and competitions, supported by Baw Baw Shire Council and the Victorian government.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $120M for new Bairnsdale hospital emergency department before state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking a $120 million election commitment for a new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department to meet rising demand, reduce delays and improve regional healthcare services.
• Darren Chester celebrates Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell Facility supporting education and regional workforce development
  Darren Chester welcomed Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell facility, celebrating its role in empowering students, supporting vocational education, and strengthening Gippsland’s workforce and regional communities.
• Bass Coast residents can help shape new policy guiding future naming of council-managed public places
  Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Place Naming Policy, outlining a transparent process for naming public places while recognising local history, Traditional Owners, cultural heritage and commemorating women.
• Bass Coast Shire Council awards contract for new Thompson Reserve pavilion, boosting Inverloch sport and community facilities
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded Kubale Constructions to build a modern Thompson Reserve pavilion, enhancing facilities, supporting local clubs, and promoting inclusive sport opportunities for women, girls and the community.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Bairnsdale's Shannon Waters Estate residents receive new digital water meters as East Gippsland Water expands roll-out
  Shannon Waters Estate residents in Bairnsdale are receiving new digital water meters, enabling near-real-time usage tracking, early leak detection, and faster service, following a successful Bemm River trial.
• Explore the 2026 Adventure range this May with new models, upgrades and free camping innovations on 8-9 May 2026
  Explore the upgraded 2026 Adventure range on May 8-9, featuring J-Pod, Adventurer 48V and Crosstrak models, with expert guidance for free camping enthusiasts.